I promised my niece a “painting party” as long as she did not come down into the studio while I was working. She kept her side of the bargain. Kind of.

Minutes later, I helped her get dressed in my painting shirt and tights. Everything was too big of course. I made adjustments by tying a knot in the back of her shirt and she rolled up her pant legs. “I’m Sammy!” She exclaimed with sheer delight. She needed encouragement or advice to start painting. Instead she painted quickly and impulsively. Fear of the blank canvas? None. Fear that she won’t be able to paint something amazing? Also none. In fact, not so long after she started she said this: “I’m an artist. I’m painting a lot. I’m good at it.”

Yes you are my love. Oh how I wish my students would all have the same confidence!

What's in store for her painting? Well, she told me quite adamantly that she wanted to glue newspaper on it and then place it outside next to my canvas so that it would look old.

See this makes my heart warm :)
So sweet a.) because it shows how much they admire their Aunt Sam and b.) because they just go for it. It's not until we get older that we allow the clouds to fog that innocent nature.

Reply

Kirsten

5/23/2013 04:04:52 pm

Love this blog. Just like the kids from last class!!!

Reply

Samantha daSilva

5/23/2013 05:31:07 pm

Steven, Jennifer & Kirsten thank you for your comments. Can you imagine that kids were "meant to be seen not heard"? They have so much to teach us! Especially about fearless abstract painting. My nieces and nephews never cease to inspire me.

Reply

Leave a Reply.

This blog was created to share my belief that the art making process can be a vehicle for empowerment. I am living proof.